The mere speculation of the president’s death has arguably generated more attention for Turkmenistan than any sports event or international conference ever did.
The government has prioritized improving the country’s air transportation. But reestablishing a national airline does not appear to be in the plans for now.
The government is introducing legislation that would make it easier to investigate businesses in Armenia, fulfilling a promise to increase transparency.
Tbilisi’s Russian expat community disputes Moscow’s narrative of a surge of Russophobia in the country, but some say that the ongoing tensions have put them in a complicated place.
Georgia’s economy is increasingly dependent on tourism, and that sector has become increasingly dependent on Russians. The losses from Russia’s tourism embargo could cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars.
The country announced a 40 percent increase to the minimum wage, on top of another increase earlier this year. Many worried the move would only spur inflation.
Baku has a new park, the result of one of the most hotly disputed gentrification efforts of the post-Soviet period. But even critics say it provides much-needed green space.
While the president was busy playing soldier, all his regional peers, as well heads of state from China, Russia and Iran, were mustering in the capital of Tajikistan.